NORTH Berwick in Bloom is celebrating a successful night after scooping two prizes at Britain in Bloom's annual ceremony yesterday evening.

Britain in Bloom involves about 3,500 community groups and hundreds of thousands of local volunteers who work year-round to keep neighbourhoods and streets green, clean and thriving.

On Monday, groups travelled from across the UK and congregated at Manchester United's Old Trafford home for the ceremony – the 60th anniversary of the awards – to find out the results. 

READ MORE: North Berwick In Bloom named as Britain In Bloom finalists

North Berwick in Bloom received a gold award in the coastal category, of which the Parish of St Helier from Jersey was overall winner.

Libby Morris, chair of North Berwick in Bloom, said: "I am delighted that the group has won a gold medal certificate. 

"So many people and organisations in North Berwick have helped and dedicated time with our theme for this year, 200 years of the RNLI, and came together to make our town beautiful." 

Meanwhile, Alex Hutchison, secretary of North Berwick in Bloom, claimed a community champion award during the ceremony.

Alex said: "I was honoured to be recognised for all the work that I have put in. 

"It was great to get a number of groups in North Berwick involved in planting and painting. 

"North Berwick in Bloom are a fantastic group of people and work so tirelessly to keep the town beautiful for tourists, locals and visitors to enjoy."  

Angus Campbell, head operator of of the East Lothian Council's plant nursery located in Prestonpans, who provides North Berwick in Bloom (NBIB) with seeds and bulbs, joined NBIB chair Libby Morris and Alex on stage. 

Frances Tophill, one of the presenters of the BBC's Gardeners' World presented the certificate. 

Kenny Miller, volunteer and trustee of North Berwick in Bloom, said: "We are delighted to receive this award and in our achievement. 

""It really struck me to see so many Scottish groups wining awards in such a vast amount of volunteers and organisations from across the UK. 

"Congratulations to all the finalists and everyone who received awards." 

Congratulating the group, North Berwick Community Council said in a statement: "Congratulations to North Berwick in Bloom on a gold award in Britain in Bloom, and to Alex Hutchison on a community champion award – both well deserved."

Keep Scotland Beautiful added "a huge congratulations to all of our groups who were honoured for their amazing work".

Darren Share, chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Huge congratulations to all finalists of the 2024 Britain in Bloom competition, especially in this milestone 60th anniversary year.

"Each group demonstrated the creativity, hard work and commitment to sustainability that Britain in Bloom has championed for six decades.

"It is wonderful to see the passion and dedication of these hardworking groups in bringing together communities across the UK and making a lasting impact on our local environments.”